subject: How To Maintain And Clean Your Granite Countertops [print this page] Granite countertops can add elegance to your kitchen or whichever part of the home it is used.
But the fact is such elegance comes with a high price tag making granite countertops more expensive than countertops made of synthetic materials
Learning the best way to clean and maintain a granite countertop is essential as you have spent quite a bit of money buying one.
Needless to say, with proper care and periodic cleaning, your granite countertop will keep looking new all the time. If that be so, the obvious question is how to maintain and clean the granite countertops.
Granite surfaces are long-lasting and scratch resistant but use of improper cleaning agents can slowly damage the surface and shorten its lifespan.
Although granite countertops are hard and nonporous, they are still susceptible to the effects of acidic spills and harsh chemicals.
Whenever you find spills, blot them out immediately as they may penetrate into the surface otherwise.
Clean the granite surface using a few drops of neutral cleaner or mild dishwashing liquid along with warm water.
Removing the stain off granite, could be a bit of long-drawn process. Mix a cup of flour, with one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it remain overnight.
Scrape away the paste the next morning with a blunt edged tool. If the stain happens to be oil-based use, use hydrogen peroxide or ammonia in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid.
Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for removing stains caused by coffee, tea or fruit juice.
To remove ink or marker stains from darker stone use a lacquer thinner or acetone and to remove them from light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide.
Create a paste by mixing molding plaster and pure bleach and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave it to act for 30 minutes and then remove the paste and rinse.
Using Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is one simple and yet most effective way to clean granite countertops and restore the original shine. Simply fill a spray bottle with one part rubbing alcohol to three parts water. Spray it lightly on your counters and the wipe with a soft sponge.
Completely avoid cleaners that contain acidic ingredients like vinegar as they can cause scratching and even deep etches.
An important thing to keep in mind for the best way to retain the new look of a granite countertop includes is preventive maintenance. Make it a point to blot spills immediately and do deep cleaning weekly with your dishwashing detergent.
Prevent spoiling the granite by not placing directly on it any acidic item like tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruit etc. The juices of these food products are particularly can cause severe damages.
Remember to reseal the countertop once in every two years. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas. There are disinfectant cleaners especially for granite cleaning available in the market.
If you take the time to clean and maintain your granite countertops properly, they will give you years of elegant touch wherever installed.
If the granite develops problems that you cannot handle, promptly call the professional stone supplier or restoration specialist as a stitch in time saves nine.
